The New Editing Conundrum

Like most writers, I am excited about the advances in digital publishing. In past columns I have detailed the many advantages we currently experience and those we anticipate in the future.

There are, however, some less delightful aspects of the new Indie Publishing revolution, as I have discovered recently.

This article is not about those natural and expected new obstacles, not about increased competition in the market place, nor about virtual shelves overcrowded with works aimed at quantity rather than quality in order to aggregate dollars. It’s not about potential piracy, or even about self marketing (a huge topic in itself).

This piece is about ever increasing responsibility. Specifically, the responsibility of the author to present his/her very best work, period.

Once upon a time, an author could write a book, look it over once or twice, hand it to an editor, and walk away. If any additional editing was needed, the editor or the publisher saw to it. Then it is published and it was done. Done!

That is not the case today. With technological advances it is now possible for the self publisher to return to his book to correct a misspelling, remove a duplicate word, or correct an indent at any time. In fact, the author could in theory change plot lines, remove chapters––in short, make any number of substantial changes to the book. Not just for a limited period of time; it can be done 24 hours a day – forever.

This would seem a tremendous advantage for the author, and in many ways it is. But it can also be a curse.

Editing a novel can be an endless process if one allows it. Each revisit, each change, has a domino effect which ensures that more changes will likely be necessary to reach perfection. The more the author reviews, the more changes suggest themselves. This is the definition of infinity.

Today this Miasma is exacerbated by accessibility. Not so long ago, if a guest at a cocktail party remarked on some perceived inaccuracy in a novel, the author could grin and shrug and move on. No longer. There is now a conscience nag that leads to additional research, and if indeed the guest turns out to be correct, the nag grows into guilt which in turn compels action. The author returns to the book to correct it, not just because he feels he should, but because he can, and he knows that everyone knows he can.

The moral to this tale is not just the standard reminder to edit, edit, edit before publishing a work, but also to learn where to draw that line in the sand. It is about finding the balance between one’s satisfaction with a published work and infinite editing. Know when to stop.

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Latest Reviews

The Other

good read .. being Dine and knowing the area made for an enjoyable read and have already started the 2nd in series of this book .. good job (APD on Amazon)

Mestaclocan:

I love the way this writer thinks, the powerful way his story brings you in and makes it impossible to put the book down. I've always been a murder mystery nut but R Lawson Gamble certainly leaves me wanting more Tolliver and Eagle Feather adventures. (DB on Amazon)

The Other

Hunters find the the body of a young blond white child on a Indian reservation. ZackTolliver an FBI agent is called in to investigate the situation. He believes she was murdered and left there to be found. Zack sets out tracking bear tracks that suddenly become human bare feet. This is a wonderful tale of this agent and his Indian friend Eagle Feather. Jake does not believe in Skinwalkers but he will become a believer. Great story, masterfully written.

Zaca

I bought all three of your books when you were at Bedford Winery in June. I just finished Zaca. I loved it! I started it on Wednesday on my commute to work and just finished. I could not put it down. Every spare moment I had these last few days my nose was in this book. I can't wait to read the other two! Thank you so much! You definitely have the talent to engage the reader with your story telling. I am definitely a fan! SG

Mestaclocan

"It’s not often that I don’t have any idea about what is really going on, but this one did surprise me. Well written, with unexpected twists in the plot. I’d recommend it as a great read!" Brawley, CA (December 2014)

The Other

"Your characters are so real that I feel like I know them personally. You took me with you to actually witness the events taking place. .." LC

"A very interesting story blending tribal lore, behavioral science, adventure and a hint of romance. I found it hard to put down. I live in Arizona and ..." Sadie McC.

"Great book; the action combined with native American culture made the book hard to put down..." Alicia Hallford

"I thoroughly enjoyed how this author mixed a good mystery with it's geographical and historical / cultural context. I look forward to upcoming books." Robert C. Campagne

"It kept me up reading part of the night. It was a very good mystery with some supernatural thrown in... I would like to read more of this author." Miss S

"A great read that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Excellent characters and storyline..." BobGBob

"One of the best books I have read in a long time. I started reading it last night, slept a couple hours and had it finished today because I was that anxious to find out the ending. Fantastic story!!..." C C

"There aren't enough stars to rate this book high enough in my opinion. I can't believe no one has bought the rights to the book too make movie from it..." Mike Paxton

"Excellent well written and edited...The Other is a super read! It flows fast and smoothly, has a likable lineup of characters and a storyline that draws the reader into its fascinating and eerie world..." SS

"R. Lawson Gamble went to a lot of trouble reseaching this tale of Navajo legend and Navajo beliefs. This is the creepy, yet compelling story of the relentless pursuit of a child killer...It's a must read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery/suspense/thriller type of tale." J B Bergstad

"I started The Other last night and read the first 400 pages! I was up until midnight! Bottom line, LOVE IT..." CL

"A tantalizing and creepy mystery set in the American Southwest, an area which the author brings deliciously to life... I hope for a sequel. I've become too attached to the characters to say goodbye just yet!" LG

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